Dear Abby: Sister torn between needy nephews, reluctant husband

Dear Abby: My sister, the mother of three boys, is now unable to take care of them. My family is asking me and my new husband to take them in.

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Posted Dec. 30, 2012 at 2:00 AM

Posted Dec. 30, 2012 at 2:00 AM

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Dear Abby: My sister, the mother of three boys, is now unable to take care of them. My family is asking me and my new husband to take them in.

To me it's a no-brainer — something I'd do in a heartbeat. My husband refuses! He says that if we do, we'll never have children of our own. I feel as if I'm being forced to choose between my husband and my nephews. What would you do? — Pulled in Two in Cincinnati

Dear Pulled in Two: I'd keep talking to my husband about it, and find out why he thinks that taking in your nephews would prevent you from having children of your own. As a newly married man, he may be feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of having three boys to raise and support — so he can't imagine having another child with you.

Do not let the subject rest until you have the answers. If the reasons are financial, perhaps he'd be more open to the idea if the rest of the family is willing to chip in. If not, then you will have serious choices to make.

Dear Abby: I have been with my wonderful wife for 35 years. Friends have said they wish they could have a relationship like ours, but an interloper has come between us, interfering with our ability to communicate.

Her cellphone has taken over her life. She's constantly playing word games with friends, texting, etc. It starts first thing in the morning and lasts into the night. I returned my cellphone after two weeks when I saw the writing on the wall. My wife and I used to sit together and have nice conversations. Now they are interrupted by weird noises when her phone announces she has another text. Is this my future? — Missing Face Time in Arizona

Dear Missing: Yes, unless you are able to negotiate an agreed-upon period of time during which you are your wife's first priority and her cellphone is turned off.